PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Lions Club is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Annual Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular, taking place on Saturday, December 13th at the Aleeze Convention Center in Madame Estate.

Preparations are well underway as the Lions gear up for another unforgettable evening of holiday fun, community spirit, and exciting prizes. The Club is encouraging the public to purchase their tickets early, as this much-loved event traditionally draws a full house and tickets are limited.

Tickets are priced at US $15 or NAf 27, each including one bingo card. They are available from any Lions Club member, as well as at the Lions Civic Center on Sucker Garden Road #13, Big D Photo Studio in the Marcus Building on Pondfill (W.J.A. Nisbeth) Road and Focus Forward Media Studio on Front Street. Additional bingo cards will be available for purchase on the night of the event for US $10 each.

Participants will have the chance to win an array of exciting prizes, including Christmas baskets brimming with holiday goodies, luxurious weekend getaways, restaurant vouchers, and airline travel prizes to several destinations such as as well as “Santa’s Bag” which is a $1,000 cash prize.

The Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular is not only a night of entertainment but also a cherished community tradition and the Lions Club’s primary annual fundraising event. Proceeds directly support vital community programs focusing on vision care, cancer and diabetes awareness, environmental protection, hunger relief, and assistance for senior citizens, youth sports teams, artists, and local organizations.

The Sint Maarten Lions Club extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and donors for their continued generosity in providing baskets, prizes, and financial contributions that make this beloved event possible each year.

The Club warmly invites everyone to be part of this festive celebration of community, compassion, and holiday cheer. Come out, bring your lucky charm, and experience the magic of the Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular, where everyone’s a winner in the spirit of giving. For more information, please contact any Lions Club member or visit the official Sint Maarten Lions Club Facebook page. Anybody Bingo? Nobody Bingo!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes is calling for immediate action to transition St. Maarten's energy infrastructure to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), following the successful steps taken by Curaçao and Aruba to adopt cleaner and more cost-effective fuel sources.

Curaçao's Aqualectra utility company has teamed up with Wärtsilä and Eagle LNG Partners to provide LNG for electricity and water production. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions, including the integration of battery storage and renewable energy, aiming to increase renewable capacity from 30% to 70% by 2027.

Similarly, Aruba's Water en Energiebedrijf Aruba N.V. (WEB) has been transitioning to LNG since 2017. In collaboration with Wärtsilä, WEB has established a 194 MW dual-fuel power generation fleet and is progressing with plans for an LNG import terminal in San Nicolas.

MP Lacroes, who previously proposed exploring LNG for G.E.B.E. in Parliament, stressed the importance of strong leadership and accountability. "Congratulations to Aqualectra," Lacroes remarked. "I aspire to achieve the same with our own water and energy company G.E.B.E. here in St. Maarten."

Despite the motion being approved and Prime Minister Mercelina being assigned to lead the transition, there have been no public updates. Lacroes expressed serious concerns about the lack of progress and the ongoing burden on residents.

"If the board and management are unable to deliver, it is time for them to be replaced," Lacroes declared. "Our people can no longer endure the fuel surcharge and hidden fees on our bills."

The MP also pointed out missed opportunities in St. Maarten, such as Port SXM's inability to accommodate LNGpowered ships, leading to significant transshipment activities bypassing the island. However, recent developments have positioned St. Maarten to change course.

Lacroes revealed that a detailed plan has been presented to the Government, outlining a clear strategy to establish a modern transshipment port. This port will generate substantial revenue for both the Sint Maarten Port and the Government, bolstering the island's financial stability and supporting national priorities like reducing electricity costs and supplementing the annual budget.

Furthermore, Lacroes highlighted that the parliamentary motion's objective was approved during the budget discussions by a majority vote, with no obstacles hindering the progress this can successfully accomplished.

"The foundation has been laid, the path is set, and the possibilities are vast," Lacroes stated. "The time for decisive leadership is now. The region is advancing, and St. Maarten must not lag behind while our people suffer to benefit a privileged few."

The Bonaire Human Rights was present and witnessed this historic moment and welcomes the approval by the Chair of the UN Fourth Committee on 16^th October 2025 of the resolution supported by 101 countries, with 51 abstentions—including the Netherlands and other European countries —to establish an International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. This global decision represents a historic victory for justice and equality for all colonized and non-self-governing peoples.

This achievement follows James Finies and Davika Bissessar of BHRO's years of advocacy, whose relentless international campaign brought global recognition to the island’s struggle and helped inspire this historic United Nations decision.

The Work of James Finies and BHRO: A Voice for Bonaire - This resolution carries profound importance for Bonaire, a Caribbean territory that continues to endure the effects of modern-day colonialism. In 2017, Bonaire was unilaterally annexed by the Netherlands and anchored into the Dutch Constitution as a so-called “Public Entity,” despite the people’s 65% rejection in the 2015 referendum against integration under Dutch rule.

Failure of Local Leadership - This betrayal of the people’s will was made possible not only by the Dutch government but also by the lack of leadership among Bonaire’s politicians—particularly within the Democratic Party (DP), Union Patriótiko Boneriano (UPB), Movementu di Pueblo Boneriano (MPB), and M21. These parties passed a motion in the Island Council in 2017, consenting to Bonaire’s embedding in the Dutch Constitution. They failed to defend the people’s rights, choosing political convenience over their sacred duty to uphold Bonaire’s right to self-determination and self-governance.

Violation of International Law - The collaboration of local politicians in Bonaire’s annexation represents one of the darkest moments in the island’s modern history—a direct violation of the United Nations Charter and General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), which guarantees all peoples the right to self-determination. Since that political act, Bonaireans have suffered economic marginalization, loss of land, cultural erosion, and increasing poverty.

A Call to Action - The International Day Against Colonialism must serve as a wake-up call for Bonaire and the world. Modern colonial domination must be exposed, and accountability must extend not only to colonial powers but also to local collaborators who maintain injustice through silence and complicity.

BHRO calls upon the people of Bonaire to recognize the failure of irresponsible leadership and demand new, courageous leaders who will defend truth, justice, and Bonaire’s right to self-determination.

The Ongoing Struggle for Bonaire - Bonaire’s annexation was not progress—it was regression. BHRO President James Finies continues to appeal to the nations of the world to restore Bonaire to the United Nations List of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This step is vital to protect Bonaire’s people—now a vulnerable minority of barely 30%, along with its diaspora—who, like the island’s turtles, flamingos, mangroves, and coral reefs, face extinction under colonial pressure.

UN International Day Against Colonialism will serve each year as a powerful reminder of the world’s commitment to end all forms of colonialism.

Injustices should stop, and the people of Bonaire will not rest until their right to govern their own land is fully restored.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl York has raised concerns over the ongoing delay of his long-requested parliamentary meeting on the state of housing in Sint Maarten, stating, “We can’t continue to treat housing like a chapter that keeps getting pushed to the next edition of the government’s book of promises.”

The meeting, initially requested in May while York served as Chairman of the VROMI Committee, was postponed by Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs to October. However, with the final October parliamentary schedule now released and no housing meeting listed, York says the lack of prioritization is unacceptable.

“When the request was made, the Minister had already been in office for eleven months,” York noted. “Now, 6 months later, Parliament and the people still have not received a single update on the state of housing or the government’s plan moving forward.”

York said that while he initially showed understanding toward the Minister’s request to reschedule, the continued silence sends the wrong message to the public.

“By no means was/am I demanding a full-blown solution, but at this point, not even sharing plans or at least providing an update is deeply concerning. A year and a half is long enough. Our people have waited long enough.”

The MP also questioned the government’s handling of recent land purchases intended for housing development. “Millions of guilders were spent on acquiring land. One would assume that was done with a plan. If there is a plan, share it with Parliament —thus the people. If there isn’t, that raises even more concern.”

York, who has repeatedly highlighted housing as one of the country’s biggest challenges, reminded that he pledged at the opening of the new parliamentary year to be more assertive with the Ministry of VROMI. “The trial period is over,” he said. “It’s time for results”.

For many Sint Maarten families still waiting for affordable or social housing opportunities, York says the lack of updates feels like being forgotten. “It’s not about figures or floor plans, it’s about ensuring families that there's light at the end of the tunnel. They deserve answers, and I intend to get them. Because at some point, patience stops being a virtue and starts being an excuse.”